James Emerson Byrd

      James Emerson “Jim” Byrd, 101 of Harrisburg, passed away at 12:30 AM, Monday, April 1, 2024 at Harrisburg Medical Center surrounded by his family.

     Jim was born on July 15, 1922 in Galatia to the late James LaCurgas and Nellie (LeTempt) Byrd. On January 12, 1941 he married Mariella Sprague, and she preceded him in death on August 11, 2007. Jim was a plumber by trade and a business owner. He operated LeTempt Plumbing and Heating in Harrisburg for over 60 years. Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harrisburg. He loved the Lord along with his church family and Sunday School class. Jim was a member of Harrisburg Masonic Lodge #325 and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Illinois. He was avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan, and outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. He genuinely loved people and all sorts of animals.

     Jim is survived by a daughter-in-law, Linda Gossett of Harrisburg, two grandchildren, Jamie Byrd and wife Lynn of Eldorado, and Ashley Green and husband Jeff of Evansville, Indiana; five great grandchildren, Ben Byrd and Bryant Byrd of Eldorado, and Jackson Green, Hope Green and Faith Green all of Evansville, Indiana; two nieces, Susan Kefier and husband Don, and Nancy Hefter.

     Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mariella Byrd; son, Richard Fielding Byrd; parents, James and Nellie Byrd; brother, Charles Byrd; and sister Laura Slack Ray.

     Funeral services for James Emerson “Jim” Byrd will be held at 3 PM, Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Rev. Chris Winkleman will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Masonic rites will be conducted by the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge # 325 and will begin at 3 PM. Visitation will be held from 1PM to 3 PM, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Harrisburg. Condolences may be left for the family on his obituary page at www.stricklinfuneralhome.com.

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